Timeless | rorasa

Chapter 30: The Chains and The Freedom

As the last remnants of dark magic dissipated into the air, Rora sprinted toward Hyein's house, her heart pounding with urgency. Behind her, Kyungsoo and Minju followed closely, their faces set with determination, though their exhaustion was evident after the battle they had just endured. Kyungsoo's protective gaze never left his daughter, but he also watched Rora, knowing the weight of her fear and desperation. He had seen that look before-the kind of dread that comes from the possibility of losing someone precious.

Rora threw open the door with a loud creak, the sound reverberating ominously through the house. She rushed inside without hesitation, her voice trembling as she called out, "Asa!" The silence was suffocating, her fear growing with every unanswered call.

Kyungsoo and Minju entered behind her, quietly following Rora down the dark corridors. They watched as she frantically searched room after room, her anxiety rising with each empty space she encountered. Minju exchanged a worried glance with her father, understanding the torment that was coursing through Rora's mind. She felt the same whenever her father was in danger-an unbearable fear of losing someone you love.

Finally, Rora reached the end of a narrow hallway, where a door stood slightly ajar. Her breath hitched, and she glanced back at Kyungsoo and Minju, as if seeking their silent support. They both nodded, urging her forward. With a trembling hand, Rora pushed the door open.

Inside, Asa lay bound on the bed, her wrists and ankles tied with thick ropes. Her body was frail, her skin pale from nearly two weeks of captivity. The sight of her like that made Rora's heart break, and she let out a small, choked gasp.

"Asa..." Rora's voice cracked with emotion as she rushed to her side, dropping to her knees and immediately working to untie the bindings. Kyungsoo and Minju remained at the doorway, their hearts heavy as they watched the reunion unfold. They understood the gravity of the moment-Rora had found her strength in this battle through her love for Asa, and now, seeing them reunited, they both felt a sense of hope return.

"Asa, I'm here," Rora whispered urgently, gently cradling Asa's face in her hands. Asa's eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, they were unfocused. But then, recognition dawned in them, and a flicker of life returned to her gaze.

"Rora?" Asa's voice was weak, but the sound of it made Rora's heart swell with relief. She hurriedly worked to free Asa from the ropes, her hands shaking with emotion.

"Yes, it's me," Rora said softly, tears welling in her eyes. "I'm here now. You're safe."

With the last knot untied, Rora gathered Asa into her arms, holding her as though she would never let her go again. Asa clung weakly to her, her tears mixing with Rora's as they held each other close.

Kyungsoo and Minju watched in silence, a soft smile playing on Minju's lips as she took in the scene. Kyungsoo, too, felt a sense of quiet relief, his gaze filled with understanding. But as they began to share in the reunion's peace, a faint, frustrated whisper filled the room.

In the far corner of the room stood Kai, his eyes burning with fury. Beside him, Hyein stood pale and trembling.

"Father..." Hyein whispered, her voice thick with fear. "Our power... it's gone."

Kai clenched his fists, the veins in his neck standing out as he fought to contain his rage. He glanced toward Kyungsoo and Minju, who were still standing by the doorway, their attention on Rora and Asa. They hadn't yet noticed him and Hyein in the shadows. But Kai knew they couldn't fight anymore-not without the magic the earrings had granted them.

"We have no choice," he growled under his breath, his voice low and dangerous. "We need to leave. Now."

"But what about-" Hyein's gaze flickered to Asa and Rora. She wanted revenge, wanted to strike, but the helplessness in her voice revealed how shaken she was by the loss of their magic.